Yeah, I personally hunt with a .308 Browning BAR Safari. I think he is sold on the Howa though. He asked me cals first and I pointed him in the .308/30-06 direction because the ammo is cheaper if you want to target practice some, which is what he intends to do. I have told him to look at Ruger as well, though my only experience with Ruger is my customized 10/22, but I know Ruger reliability with revolvers and other rifles from friends. The Howa he wants does have the weight issue. The T3 is also a candidate and he liked the action best on it (very very smooth). He doesn't want a gun that is too light, but I think that he would find out that a lighter gun is much better when you are hiking 5 miles searching for game.